Unfortunately, Diva and Beast are quite accustomed to eating out, as we’ve pretty much become connoisseurs of the local cuisine. (Or, it might be because I’m lazy and hate cooking.) So, our kids, despite their youth, are dining out veterans, and pretty much know how to behave.

Beast, however, does tend to talk in his outside voice, no matter where he is. I’m not kidding, this kid only has one volume- loud. He doesn’t shout, or anything, but he does talk in a raised voice.

So, we’re packing in the Italian pasta in this little restaurant, which is also a bar with TVs and happens to be a wee bit loud. Whatever, I have a glass of wine, I don’t care.

A couple next to us are also enjoying their pasta and wine. Apparently their BFF from years ago spots them from across the restaurant, and comes over to chat. He motions his wife over, and the four of them proceed to chat. Loudly. Again, I don’t care- the whole restaurant is set at a high decibel.

Eventually their foursome goes back to a twosome. Beast finished his food first, as he usually does, because, well, the boy simply doesn’t eat a lot. So this is the point in the meal when he expects us to entertain him with our stimulating conversation. Honestly, I can barely hear him across the table, despite his raised (not shouting) voice.

We attempt to finish our foods, while having a convo at the same time, and trying to get him to keep his voice down a bit.

But, get this…the couple, who had just finished entertaining, back slapping, and loudly guffawing with their BFFs, keep looking at Beast as if heis too loud! Oh, so suddenly, they’re done with their convo, and expect peace and quiet so that they can finish their meal? Please.

Odd are that they then left the restaurant, and proceeded to whine about parents who don’t keep their kids quiet, completely oblivious to their own rudeness the whole time.

Sorry, I’m not about to reprimand my kid after you just finished telling the whole restaurant about your trip to St. Croix.

Double standard much?

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I do remember the disturbed sleep, children in the bed next to you, the way your pulse quickens when you hear crying in the next room, pretending to be asleep so your husband gets up…good times.

Does it ever end? Nope.

But it does get better.

Someday you’ll once again sleep an entire 8 hours undisturbed. Someday you’ll wake up before your kids. Someday you’ll feel rested again. Just hold on.

But it’s never forever. We still deal with sicknesses, bloody noses, nightmares, and trips to the bathroom. The other night, Beast wanted a glass of water because he was “so hot.” Sure enough, it’s 3 a.m., and he spilled it all over his covers, necessitating a complete change in linens. At 3 a.m.

So yes, it eventually gets better, but it…never…ends! ; )

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Sittercity Sitter Search Enter your zipcode to find a babysitter in your area: Zip Code

In our world, adults have to earn their respect- which is quite easily done in a couple interactions with mom or dad at their side directing them, or giving them feedback later. This ensures that adults worthy of my children’s respect have it- which is necessary- within one or two interactions, whereas adults not worthy of their respect don’t get it automatically.

As sad as it is, with the way the world is today, this attitude is necessary. My children don’t listen to random adults, aren’t instructed to listen to random adults, and therefore, hopefully, are not intimidated by random adults.

Respect must be earned.

Am I setting my kids up for issues later on? Why or why not?

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I was tagged by Kristin at An Ordinary Life, who has a beautiful blog, by the way, you should check it out!

Here are 7 weird things about me….

1. I have some “issues”: I cannot stand the place mats on my table to be askew, I hate it when people leave cabinet doors open, etc
2. I can’t decide which side of the bed I want to sleep on, and switch with my husband every other night.
3. I don’t bother zipping up my kids coats: they’re old enough to do it, and if they’re cold enough, they will.
4. I am the opposite of a pack rat: I hate extra “things” in the house and often go on clean out sprees.
5. I used to collect unicorn stuff when I was a kid.
6. I love the TV show LOST.
7. I am personally offended when people dis books or authors I like.

Here Are The Rules:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

I am tagging:

1. Kerith’s Corner

2. Dad Gone Mad

3. Rebel Dad

4. Dad Balance

5. Michigan Momma

6. Momm Blog

7. Blonde Mom Blog

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But today I ran into this great article over at GNM Parents that focuses on 7 Ways To Compliment A Child. Only 2 of them are direct! One of them is to really focus on what your child is thinking.

My childcare director taught me to get down to their level and make eye contact when you want to show them that they have your full attention.

It’s a great idea.

How do you show your children that what they have to say matters?

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Luckily, I’ve found a way to show her the value of volunteering and helping others out by doing so as much as possible at her school. By doing this, I mean to show her that the things her school does are worth my time, are valuable, and that I support them.

Now that I am home two days a week with my little one, Beast, age 4, I’ve found a great program that shows him the value of volunteering, too. Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers food to the home-bound, elderly and shut-ins. I am so blessed that the program in my town allows me to bring him with me, and that the time commitment and responsibilities are manageable with a 4 year old.

What ideas do you have for volunteering with your children? Have you ever found anything that fits your family?

Technorati Tags: volunteering, volunteering with kids

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The latest issue is a cell phone. My friend doesn’t want her child to have a cell phone. This certain someone knows that, and is going to buy the child one anyway. I told my friend to let her waste her money- let her get the cell phone, then put it away.

I know it’s easy for me to say “Don’t let her do that! Stick up for yourself!” because I’m not there. I’m not around, and as much as I want to help, I don’t know how it really is.

I just know that my friend makes a lot of good points and is constantly being stepped on by this certain someone, and I am often aggravated for her.

Do you have a similar situation? Perhaps a step-mom, mother in law, ex-husband or etc who is attempting to spoil your kids, undermine your authority or get in between them and you? Do you have any advice for my friend?

Technorati Tags: stepmoms, family issues, mother in law

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Yay.

However, I was amused by Christina’s thinking on her planned c-section. She stated that she was afraid of tearing and wanted a “calm and peaceful environment” with “no surprises.”

So, apparently Christina has some jumbled logic.

Since when does “I’m afraid of tearing” lead to “So, sign me up for a 5 inch cut across my lower abdominals instead”?

And since when does “a calm and peaceful environment” mean “major surgery”?

Apparently I missed the part where “no surprises” equates to “filet my innards and yank that baby out of me!”

I don’t know if I want Christina’s “logic” to be the truth (meaning she’s stupid) or if I want it to be a cover for reality (meaning she’s a big fat liar).

We’ve all heard that these Hollywood c-sections are mostly about cosmetics and control. I bet Christina is no different. Heck, she delivered at 37 weeks- a great way to avoid all those extra pounds and stretchmarks! Oh, and she said the hardest part was “deciding on his birthday.”

Good God.

By the way, Christina, I’m 4 years out of a c-section and I still can’t do more than 15 situps or crunches at a time without feeling burning on the inside of my scar. Good luck with that.

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Here’s some Valentine’s Day “teachable moments” for families:

• Inclusiveness: My daughter has issues with two of the kids in her class. She’s not keen on sending them cards and candy. However, it’s the right thing to do at this age, not to mention a classroom rule. Another important lesson she can get out of this is that sometimes you have to do things that you don’t want to do. Yeah, she really needs to learn that lesson!
• Partnership: If you do get a babysitter and go out, this is an opportunity to show your children that your marriage and/or partnership is an important piece of the family puzzle.
• Respect: I expect my daughter and son to be treated well by their future partners, and to treat them well in return. My husband and I provide an example of this by treating each other especially well on this romantic day.
• Moderation: One piece of chocolate candy is good. Twelve pieces? Not so much. In addition, a small present is fine. Large, expensive presents could be irresponsible, depending on your personal situation and agreements.
• Volunteerism: Elementary school Valentine’s Day parties are usually in need of parents to help shepherd crowds of children through the card, food, arts and crafts traditions. Show up and help out.

Most holidays and traditions have some sort of teachable moments in them. Find the best ways to express your family’s beliefs through these moments.

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Freelance Parent, a channel of eMoms at home, blogged about snow days and freelancing. As a veteran freelance writer, and a semi-veteran full time work at home mom, I agreed with them.

Little did I know how difficult it is to write around my kids (very) and how bored they get in the house all day (very).

Today reminded me of why I have childcare for my 4 year old, Beast. With working from home likely to become “the next American dream,” I know that many people are eyeing the lifestyle. However, I realize that many of the parents out there are doing so because they don’t want to use out of the home childcare for whatever reason.

I simply cannot work with my children around. For one, they are (ahem) active little buggers. In addition, I feel like I’m ignoring them. They’re both older, so they gravitate to the TV and video games when left too long to their own devices.

My philosophy is that family time is family time- to remain uninterrupted, and work time is work time- likewise.

Putting my son in preschool 3 days a week has, for me, been the kick that my freelance business needed. Six hours of uninterrupted writing time is heavenly (ask any writer), and I can make phone calls and get work in on time without looking like an unprofessional WAHM.

PS: Be sure to check out this post at freelance parent, a guest spot from yours truly. I explore another side of professionalism- getting your work done on time- no excuses, no exceptions.

So, is everybody looking for at home work these days? Do you know of anyone who has done it, and scurried on back to the cube?

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